Australia will step up their World Cup preparation when they host Wales in a season opening two-Test series in June next year.

Fiji will also make the short trip to Australia for a one off Test that precedes the Wallabies Vodacom Tri-Nations campaign.

Australia host Wales in Melbourne and Brisbane on May 26 and June 2 respectively and Fiji in Perth on June 9.

The Grand Slam winners have shown indifferent form of late but Wallabies coach John Connolly was adamant that he would not underestimate them.

“A two-Test series against Wales is a big challenge, while Fiji are one of the world’s most unpredictable and colourful rugby teams,” coach Connolly said in a statement Friday before leaving on the Wallabies’ tour to Europe.

“There is an added incentive to win these games as we know we will face Wales and Fiji in our World Cup pool matches in September and October next year.”